I’VE SINNED…AGAIN. WILL GOD FORGIVE ME? by Jonathan Landry Cruse for Core Christianity
There is little else that can hang the head of the Christian so low than giving in to a stubborn sin. We can become exhausted and discouraged by a relapse into lust, or the reemergence of a sinful habit. There goes that temper again, or that pride, or that jealousy. The Christian’s growth in grace is often a one-step-forward-two-steps-back kind of deal. And let’s be honest: there may be aspects of our life where we don’t see spiritual progress at all!
If you’re struggling with that one sin that never seems to go away, the one that has a perfect record when facing off against you in the ring, that’s when you need the good news of the inexhaustible grace and love of Jesus more than ever. Why? Because when we’re low we’re more likely to believe that devilish lie that God’s love is contingent on our performance. We may think that his forgiveness can be depleted. We sin again—for the umpteenth time—and then think, “Will God really forgive me this time?” For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, here’s your answer: Yes! To remember that, take to heart these three truths:
The Abundance of His Grace
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I was perplexed, like most Americans, this past summer when I started seeing notices all over town that there was a nation-wide coin shortage. Suddenly, I had to pay with exact change, or in some instances I couldn’t pay with cash at all! I never once pondered that we might run out of coins in our country. They were so ubiquitous I would hardly consider bending over to pick up a quarter if I spotted one on the sidewalk—there would always be another. Apparently not. I never questioned the production of our national mint, and it failed me.
On the other hand, repeat sinners often call into question the dependability of God’s character and promise, yet he will never fail us. When God tells us that he is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ex. 34:6), he means it. We are quick to sin, but he is slow to anger. His anger is in short supply, but he overflows with steadfast love and faithfulness. As God is infinite in his being, so he is infinite in grace—he is infinite in his commitment to you. This is irrespective of our commitment, or lack thereof, to him. The gloriously freeing gospel truth is that even “if we are faithless, he remains faithful” (2 Tim. 2:13). His grace is as an ocean without brim or bottom and as big as God himself.
